Similipal Declared Odisha’s Largest National Park: A Major Boost to Conservation

Odisha’s Historic Environmental Milestone

Similipal Declared Odisha’s Largest National Park: A Major Boost to Conservation: In a landmark decision, the Government of Odisha has officially declared Similipal as the state’s largest national park, marking a significant achievement in India’s environmental conservation efforts. This move elevates Similipal’s protected status after nearly four decades of advocacy. Spanning 845.70 square kilometres, Similipal is now the 107th national park in India. The designation strengthens Odisha’s ecological credentials and reflects a long-standing commitment to preserving rich biodiversity and forest ecosystems.

From Sanctuary to National Park: The Journey

The journey toward national park status for Similipal began in 1980, when it was first proposed for such recognition. However, the region had already been granted wildlife sanctuary status in 1975, reflecting its ecological importance. Over the years, Similipal emerged as a key component of India’s tiger conservation programme, particularly through its inclusion in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which spans 2,750 square kilometres. The core critical tiger habitat, covering 1,194.75 square kilometres, was formally notified in 2007, laying the groundwork for the park’s eventual national recognition.

Rich Biodiversity and Environmental Significance

Similipal supports a vibrant and unique ecological zone. It is home to 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, 62 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species. This rich biodiversity makes it one of the most important conservation landscapes in eastern India. Similipal’s varied landscape—including dense Sal forests, open grasslands, and riverine ecosystems—offers a perfect habitat for iconic wildlife such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian elephant. The new national park status ensures better protection for these species and their habitats through stricter enforcement of conservation laws.

Balancing Conservation with Human Settlement

A key hurdle in declaring Similipal a national park was the existence of six villages within the proposed core area. While most of these villages were eventually relocated, Bakua village continues to be inhabited and was therefore excluded from the park’s final notification.This compromise reflects the state’s effort to balance ecological priorities with human rights and settlement concerns. The designation now enables the forest department to implement stronger conservation strategies while continuing to engage with affected communities.

Tribal Livelihoods and Sustainable Development

The recognition of Similipal as a national park is also a step toward promoting tribal welfare. The surrounding region is inhabited by indigenous communities whose traditional knowledge and sustainable practices have long contributed to forest preservation. By integrating tribal aspirations into conservation planning, the government aims to align this initiative with broader goals of sustainable development. Similipal’s new status is expected to attract more funding, support eco-tourism, and generate livelihood opportunities for local populations, all while preserving the state’s natural heritage.

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Similipal Declared Odisha’s Largest National Park: A Major Boost to Conservation: